In a beautiful city like London, you might have visited several places with stunning architecture and lovely parks. However, if you now wish to try something new, how do swimming sound and that too wild swimming? Exciting, right?
Wild swimming is quite popular among individuals who like to spend some time in the beauty of nature. Enjoying the varying sounds of different creatures and the greenery around you in open water is the perfect weekend escape plan to get away from the busy lives you live in the city.
If you have decided to go for open water swimming in London, this post is just for you. Continue reading to know some of the best lakes near London where you can take a relaxing swim in the beauty of nature. This post will not only unearth the names of lakes but will also guide you regarding the amenities you get when you reach these lakes and how you can enter.
Table of Contents
Best Lakes to Swim Near London
1. Beckenham Place Park, South London
One of the first lakes near London to swim in is the lake in Beckenham Place Park. The picturesque surrounding of this lake is alone enough to attract you towards it. The incredibly clean water and a lake large enough to accommodate numerous individuals in one session are some of the best features of this lake.
Location
Beckenham Hill Rd, Beckenham BR3 1SY, UK
Entry
The closest entrance to the lake is the Beckenham Hill Road gate which is accessible using the 54 bus route. You can also reach this lake from Beckenham Hill train station, a 5 minutes walk from the park.
Another entrance is the Beckenham Place Park Gate, 15 minutes from the Beckenham Junction Train Station. You can also enter using the Ravensbourne Gate, which is a 15-minute walk from Ravensbourne Train Station.
To swim in this lake, you must buy a ticket for an hour-long session, whose price may vary depending on various factors. This lake is open for swimming on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 7 AM to 3 PM and on weekends from 8 AM to 3 PM.
2. Serpentine Lido, North London
One of the excellent swimming lakes in London is a recreational lake in Hyde Park, London. Serpentine Lido is located in the heart of Hyde Park in North London. The swimming area of this lake is separated from the rest of the lake using a rope of buoys. This lake is the best pick for those who cannot decide whether to swim in a swimming pool or a lake.
Location
Hyde Park, London W2 2UH, UK
Entry
To swim in this lake, one must have a membership in the Serpentine Swimming Club. If you still need to get one, you will have to wait a while to swim in this lake as the club is currently not accepting new members.
The Serpentine Lido swimming lake allows members to swim any day between 6 AM and 9 PM.
3. Merchant Taylors’ Lake, Rickmansworth, Hertfordshire
Next on the list is the Merchant Taylors’ Lake. This beautiful lake is located in Merchant Taylors’ School. Swimming in a lake near a school might not sound very relaxing. But it is, and you will realize this the very first time you go for a swim there. The clean blue water and nature’s beauty make it all perfect.
Location
Merchant Taylors School, Sandy Lodge, Moor Park, Hertfordshire
Entry
This lake allows you to swim as long as you want within the session’s time. To swim here, you must get yourself registered first. The registrations open 15 minutes before the session starts.
Merchant Taylors’ Lake is open for swimming on Mondays and Wednesdays from 6 PM to 8 PM and on Saturdays and Sundays from 7:30 AM to 9:30 AM.
All the confident swimmers above the age of 16 can swim in the Merchant Taylors’ Lake. Children under the age of 12 can also swim here, but they are to be accompanied by an adult all the time.
To swim in this lake for a session, you need to buy a ticket for a fixed price, which is £8. The distances allowed for swimming in this lake are 150m, 300m, 500m, 750m, and 1 km laps.
4. Tilgate Park, Crawley, West Sussex
Another lake near London with calming surrounding is in Tilgate Park in West Sussex. With its picturesque surroundings, this lake is the perfect spot for your weekend escape. Here you can also enjoy water sports like canoeing and kayaking.
Location
Tilgate Dr, Crawley RH10 5PQ, UK
Entry
Tilgate Lake is open for swimming every Wednesday evening and Saturday morning. On Wednesdays, you can swim here between 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM, and on Saturdays from 8 AM to 10 AM. In September, the lake is open for swimming from 6 PM to 8 PM.
The ticket per swim for individual costs £9. You can get an annual membership to this swimming lake to book the tickets easily and access your medical information quickly in an emergency.
5. Redricks Open Water Swimming Lake, Sawbridgeworth
If you are looking for wild swimming lakes in or near London, Redricks Open Water Swimming Lake is a must-checkout place. This lake is open for swimming for swimmers ranging from beginner’s level to pro level. This lake offers a full moon swim. So, you can enjoy a swim under the twinkling stars.
Location
Redricks Ln, Sawbridgeworth CM21 1RL, UK
Entry
One of the best features of this lake is that it is open for swimming on all days of the week. The time it is open for swimming varies. So, prior booking is always suggested.
Final Words
Wild swimming is a fun and adventurous activity. A quick weekend escape and a relaxing swim is the best option to get away from the busy city atmosphere. However, you must be cautious to keep it as fun as it sounds.
You must follow all the safety rules and guidelines to ensure your safety. Whether you’re a beginner or a pro swimmer, it is essential to understand that wild swimming differs from swimming in a pool. So, be extra cautious and carry all the equipment required for open water swimming.
A wetsuit is a must for swimming in a lake. At some lakes listed above, you might find a wetsuit hiring service available, while it may not be present at others. So, always prepare for your swim by contacting priorly and getting all the information.
